History

Plaster casts became a cultural commodity during the 19th century, for several reasons. It was during the period of The Grand Tour, high society became aware and appreciated most especially ancient & classical works of art. The Grand Tour was designed to finish a gentleman’s education having begun in the 17th century through to the 18th and in the 19th centuries.  It was the Napoleonic Wars that restricted foreign travel during the 18th century but a revival of The Grand Tour became possible in the early 19th century when peace resumed in Europe. This revival inspired a longing and desire for replicas of the iconic works of art. The replicas had secondary function a resource aiding the education of art students and students of architecture. Art schools and education institutions found these revered copies an inspiration for the study of sculptural and architectural antiquity. Proving an insight to the learning of aesthetics and the classical. Many architectural and design courses featured life drawing from plaster casts, some still do.